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'I heard this big woosh': Alabama residents terrified as tornadoes cause massive destruction, leave 7 dead

National Weather Service reported 33 nationwide tornadoes and destruction could be seen in houses with ripped-off roofs

AUTAUGA COUNTY, ALABAMA: Central Alabama was hit with several tornadoes that left at least seven dead, and several injured, and laid extensive destruction. National Weather Service reported 33 nationwide tornadoes. The destruction could be seen in houses with ripped-off roofs and uprooted trees throughout the state. Autauga County EMA Director Ernie Baggett confirmed that at least 30 homes in the county were damaged by the tornado in Alabama, and the hardest-hit areas are in Old Kingston and Marbury.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said in a tweet, "I am sad to have learned that six Alabamians were lost to the storms that ravaged across our state. My prayers are with their loved ones and communities. We are far too familiar with devastating weather, but our people are resilient. We will get through it and be stronger for it." The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in Lawrence, Limestone, and Morgan Counties Thursday morning, January 12. NWS also confirmed that the tornado had wind speeds up to 110 mph. Nathan Childers, a resident told WAFF, "I stepped out on the balcony and all of a sudden it’s like the trees starting parting that way and I knew I was about to get something. As soon as I got to the basement I heard this big WOOSH and then all of a sudden it got quiet."

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Coroner Buster Barber confirmed that there were five storm-related deaths in Autauga County. National Weather Service Meteorologist Gerald Satterwhite told CNN, "It was a pretty significant tornado” with “debris lofted in the air to about 10,000 to 15,000 feet." County emergency management director Ernie Baggett also revealed that several mobile homes were tossed into the air because of the winds and at least 12 people were injured. The city of Griffin imposed a curfew from 10 pm Thursday to 6 am Friday, January 13. It was reported that multiple people in the city had been trapped inside an apartment complex after trees fell on it and a high school was ruined. 

Videos show massive destruction by several tornadoes throughout Alabama

One user shared a video of the tornado saying, "Moments ago as the Alabama tornado moved north of Prattville and across Interstate 65 #alwx" Another person shared, "Here's a video Selma, Alabama resident Bailey Harris sent me from the historic district in town after tornado damage. The white building is Sturdivant Hall. #selma" FOX Weather shared a video saying, "Crosspoint Christian Church in Selma, Alabama was completely destroyed by a tornado that tore through the town today. Amanda McCloud shared this video with us and said there were 70 kids inside at the time. One minor injury was reported at the church." One more user shared, "This video from Alabama is insane. #Tornado" Another person wrote, "@ryanhallyall @ryanvaughan tornado in Alabama today on Radar Omega" A user shared a photo saying, "At least six people were killed in central Alabama on Thursday as thunderstorms and at least one tornado swept through the region, local officials said."

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